GRAND RAPIDS — When it comes to jokes, the only barbs more prevalent than lawyer jokes are blonde jokes — which means “Legally Blonde: The Musical” should be double the fun this week at DeVos Performance Hall.

And for local interest, the touring Broadway show is the directorial debut of Tony Award-winning Michigan choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who created the magical movements in such hits as “The Full Monty” and “Hairspray.”

“Jerry gave us notes at the first rehearsal, and we stay very true to the original choreography,” said Nikki Bohne, who portrays the leading role of Elle Woods. “It’s a very fluid, fast-moving show, and the comedy is always spot on.”

Based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde” is the story of a perpetually pink sorority queen whose boyfriend dumps her when he heads to Harvard University Law School. Determined to win him back, Elle wrangles admission to Harvard and soon proves there’s more under her beautiful tresses than setting gel.

Songs by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe include stereotypical ditziness such as “Omigod You Guys” and “Bend and Snap,” as well as more serious revelations in “So Much Better.”

“It’s a very upbeat show about learning to never take no for an answer,” Bohne said. “First impressions aren’t always correct. You need to get to know somebody before you make a judgment.”

Specials: College students can buy one ticket and get one ticket free for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances. Kids 18 and younger get a free ticket with each adult ticket purchased for performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

This is the first national tour for Bohne, 23, who graduated from the musical theater program at Brigham Young University in Utah last spring.

“It’s a challenging role,” she said. “I’m on stage 95 percent of the time and changing in the wings the rest of the time. It’s like running a marathon for two-and-a-half hours in 4-inch heels.”

Bohne says the shoes Elle wears are tough on her. Outside the show, she wears flats just to give her feet a break. But, Bohne said her personal taste in fashion follows her character closely, including a preference for wearing pink — off-stage as well as on.

“I came on board with a lot of pink in my wardrobe, including my own pink luggage set.”

Unlike Elle, whose style includes a properly festooned Chihuahua, Bohne said she never had a dog of her own. But during the tour she’s had plenty of play dates and sleepovers to bond with the pair of canine actors who portray Elle’s perky pooch, Bruiser.

Perks at each show

Performances in Grand Rapids will include several Elle-style perks for the audience, including pink carnations on Tuesday, mini-makeovers on Wednesday and a Mary Kay makeup representative in the lobby on Friday and Saturday evenings. Free hot chocolate mix from Meijer stores will be given away on Thursday (Thanksgiving). Saturday and Sunday, audience members are encouraged to bring in pictures of their pets for a four-legged friend competition.

Doing five shows every weekend, plus three more during the week and traveling by bus on days off is strenuous, Bohne said.

“I follow the Cinderella rule,” she said. “I’m always in bed by midnight.”